THE STATE Department of Medical Education has decided to allow students who did not appear for NEET to apply for the undergraduate course in nursing for this academic year. For the last two years, it has been mandatory for all the students applying for medical courses to appear and clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

However, after failing to fill seats in the undergraduate nursing course despite conducting eight rounds of admissions, the government has now opened the admission for all students who have cleared the Class 12 Science stream exams. Officials said it was observed that many seats in the medical colleges (unaided) have remained unoccupied this year.

A circular issued by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research has stated that shortlisted students need to confirm their admissions on or before October 23. “A Centralised Admission Process will be set up under the guidance of director, state department of medical education. Students can apply at colleges, which still have vacant seats,” the circular read.